Spring has arrived, which is going to mean that not only are we likely to see the days get hotter, but things are going to get rainy for a lot of people, and we’re also likely to get a lot more light. It’s the time activity in the home and the garden starts to wake back up, too, which means that there are a few health checks you should make, not to ensure that the home is ready for the hotter weather of summer to come, but to ensure that winter hasn’t left any lingering damage that you have to deal with.
Start By Assessing The Yard
You might want to start enhancing your home’s exterior and getting on top of the regular care that your garden is going to need, but before you start employing the lawnmotor, it’s worth taking a closer look at the space to begin with. Look for any debris, dead grass, damaged plants, or fallen branches you might need to clear out of the way first. Keep an eye out for lawn issues like moss or compacted soil that you might want to take care of, as well. Be sure to consider what you need to prune, tidy up, or any improvements you need to make to your landscaping, and complete a garden DIY list to get on top of it alongside regular watering and mowing when needed.
Check Your Windows, Doors, And Exterior Seals
It’s a good time to check the exterior seals around the home’s windows and doors. Temperature changes in winter can affect caulking and weatherstripping, causing them to become a lot less effective. Inspect them for gaps, drafts, or visible wear and replace materials as needed. Proper sealing can help make the doors much more comfortable, not to mention improve your energy efficiency by keeping the cooler air indoors and preventing heat from making its way in quite as easily, especially as the temperatures start to climb. Be sure to also check for any signs of moisture, like peeling paint or warped frames, that could indicate a leak.
Inspect The Roof For Issues
The days might be getting brighter, but for a lot of us, spring also means a lot more rain, so any potential problems with the roof or other gaps in the home can lead to problems with leaks and spreading damp. This is especially true if you’re in an area where fall and winter storms might have shaken things up a little more. As such, make some time to look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles, as well as any signs of sagging or tearing. If you’re as comfortable getting up there yourself, hiring a professional roof inspection can ensure that not only do you have a trained professional to do it safely, but they’re also a lot more likely to spot any signs of future issues that you are. Investing in a little care now can save you from much more expensive repairs down the line.
Don’t Forget The Guttering And Downspouts
While your attention is up on the roof, check out your guttering and your downspouts, as well. Check for any debris and clean it out so that there aren’t any clogs that can cause water to build up and cascade down the exterior of the building. Overflowing gutters and improper drainage can open up leaks in the home, not to mention cause foundation issues in the future. Similarly, keep an eye out for any signs of sagging gutters or cracks that can cause much the same kind of trouble.
Arrange For An AC Service
As the sun stays out for longer and the weather gets hotter, we’re a lot more likely to rely on our air conditioning. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but if your AC starts acting up in the middle of summer, it can be a good deal more expensive to give it the care that it needs. As such, you should arrange for an AC inspection and servicing before the weather heats up, ensuring that your unit is running properly and finding any issues that might impact it when you’re using it the most. You can replace and clear the air filters yourself, as well as inspect ducts for any leaks or blockages, but to be on the safe side, an inspection is best.
Refresh Your Hardscaping And Decking
Focusing back outdoors for a moment, you might want to spend more time out there, especially if you have a patio or decking that can make for an excellent exterior relaxation or al fresco dining space. However, the winter weather can leave your outdoor surfaces a little worse for wear. Be sure to inspect these spaces for cracks, loose stones, warped boards, and signs of rot, and invest in any necessary repairs to prevent them from becoming larger structural issues or tripping hazards. Power washing is an effective way to remove built-up grime, algae, and moss that can make surfaces slippery and unsightly, as well.
Check Your Outdoor Waterworks
You’re also more likely to start using your exterior water fixtures, such as outdoor faucets and irrigation systems, now that your garden is going to start growing again, soon. However, these fixtures can suffer a little damage from freezing temperatures, so go around, testing them one by one to make sure that there aren’t any leaks, weak water flow issues, or unusual noises that might be the sign of a cracked pipe somewhere. If there are, then you need to call a plumber to get on top of them. Similarly, inspect any hoses for wear and replace those that might spout water from the wrong places, and run a full test on any sprinkler systems you have to make sure that they’re reliable and working as expected.
Having a seasonal routine where you check the home for any lingering issues from the past season, as well as potential problems in the next season, can save you a lot of heartache and expense from potential future problems. Make your own routine spring maintenance checklist for your home.
